The new Afrikaans romantic adventure film Vir Altyd broke local
records in its opening weekend at the box office by earning R4 727 479, and was
seen by 89 731 people. This officially puts it in the top spot for best earnings by an
Afrikaans movie in its first weekend.
Ivan Botha and Donnalee Roberts, writers, co-producers and leading actors of the
film, comment: “We are eternally grateful for everyone’s support and wonderful
positive feedback. As filmmakers there is no greater honour for us than having so
many people share our story and that our characters make them laugh and cry.
Vir Altyd is a dream on which we’ve been working tirelessly for the
past two years and it is a privilege to share this adventure with you.’
Vir Altyd tells the story of Hugo (Botha) and Nina (Roberts) who grow up as best friends, but lose contact because of a tragic accident that changes both their lives forever. After ten years, Hugo and Nina see each other again on the eve of her wedding to Retief (Stiaan Smith), but when her fairy tale comes to a sudden end, she and Hugo go to Mauritius; she a reluctant “bride’ and he a “bridegroom’ who is confronted with painful memories and strong feelings for Nina.
On the island they realise, after they go on several adventures and meet other
couples on the “road of love’, that it’s not about the happy ending, but about the
journey on the way there instead.
The film’s cast also features Elize Cawood, Wilson Dunster, Illse Roos, Dirk Stoltz,
Lare Birk, Deidre Wolhuter, Andre Jacobs, Andre Stolz, Sans Moonsamy, Nicky de
Kock, Caylem Else and Helene Truter.
Danie Bester, co-producer of the film says about the box-office success and the
entire Vir Altyd experience: “The biggest compliment and also honour
for a filmmaker is when an audience comes to watch your work, identifies with the
story and you have the privilege to work with people who inspire you. That is
fantastic.’
Vir Altyd was produced by 17FilmStreetMedia and The Film Factory.
The film was released nationwide on 12 February 2016 by Ster-Kinekor, Nu Metro
and independent theatres.
